Magnetic traction device

ABSTRACT

A magnetic traction device includes at least one shoe member having a sole, the sole having an inner surface and an opposite surface. The magnetic traction device also includes a plurality of magnets positioned on at least one surface of the shoe member. Additionally, the magnetic traction device includes a board member having a traction pad, wherein the shoe member is detachably coupled to the traction pad to provide a means to maneuver the board member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates in general to a water sports device, andin particular to a magnetic traction device utilized in water sports.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Several attempts have been made to develop a device that can beutilized during water sport activities to provide increased tractionwhile also maintaining safety. For instance, a number of inventions inthe prior art have incorporated the use of different types of shoedevices attached to the surface of water sports equipment to provideincreased handling of such devices during use. Specifically, U.S. Pat.No. 6,299,192 to Bryce discloses a binding apparatus for use with anitem of sports equipment, including a first part adapted to an articleof footwear and a second part adapted for attachment of the sports item.The footwear is attached utilizing a cylindrical ring that extends fromthe sports equipment and is attached to an opening located on the,footwear. While the Bryce device can be an adequate solution for thebasic purpose and function for which it had been specifically designed,the Bryce design is deficient with respect to its failure to provide themost efficient and convenient structure for attachment to the surface ofsporting equipment. The device disclosed by Bryce does not allow a fullrange of lateral motion during attachment as a result of the site ofconnection being stationary.

[0005] Other device designs in the prior art are deficient inconsequence of malfunctions and misalignment problems occurring duringuse. For example, some devices available in the prior art utilize strapsto couple the user to the particular sports equipment. In devicesincorporating the use of straps, the user's feet are strapped directlyto the board in a fixed position. However, the use of straps are notpractical for water sports activities, such as surfing, as straps limitthe user's ability to adjust his footing while surfing. Additionally,the strapping components can be difficult to engage and disengage duringuse and may result in a significant loss of time. The inherentdeficiencies of these types of devices can result in undesirable delayswhile surfing, as timing is extremely important in surfing and otherrelated water sports.

[0006] Other methods utilized to increase traction and coupling to watersports equipment can include conventional waxing methods. For instance,in water sporting activities such as surfing, a soft wax can be appliedto the surface of a surfboard to promote the traction between the user'sfeet and the surfboard. However, the conventional waxing methods providenegligible increases in traction and are only temporary in nature as thesurfboards must be periodically rewaxed to provide renewed traction. Inaddition to conventional waxing methods, other methods that are utilizedin an effort to increase traction to a surfboard include attaching atextured rubber or foam pad to the surface of a surfboard. A texturedrubber or foam pad is an improvement over conventional wax methods aspads provide the user with a permanent form of traction. Although padsare generally more beneficial than convention wax methods, pads stilllack the ability to provide an enhanced level of traction inherent withthe coupling of the user to the surface of a surfboard.

[0007] Many of the available prior art devices can be ineffective forthe purpose of providing a significant amount of traction to the userwhen utilizing water sports equipment. In consequence, often users arecompelled to use devices that are very complex and difficult to use,while also causing significant safety concerns due to burdensomedesigns. Whether it is a shoe device that tightly straps a users feet tothe surface of a water sports device thereby restricting movement or adevice that provides a diminutive level of traction that inadequatelysupports the corresponding user, the current devices remain problematic.A water sports device should be very simple to use; however, whatappears to be a simple process can be extremely difficult and sometimestedious. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved magnetictraction device for use in water sports activities, such as surfing.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to a magnetic traction device thatcan accommodate a plurality of magnetic inserts and provides a means ofincreasing the traction of a particular user while performing variouswater sports activities, such as surfing.

[0009] According to the invention the magnetic traction device providesthe user the ability to easily disengage from the corresponding watersporting equipment with a limited amount of effort. A magnetic tractiondevice can include a shoe member having a plurality of magnetic insertspositioned to a surface of the shoe member. The magnetic traction devicealso includes a board member having a traction pad that incorporates amaterial, such as ferrous metal and the like, to provide a magneticattraction between the shoe member and the traction pad. For instance,the magnetic inserts can be positioned in the sole of a shoe member. Theshoe member can provide a detachable connection to the water sportingdevice that allows the user to have an increased level of traction whenutilizing the particular sporting device. The traction pad component ofthe magnetic traction device provides increased traction which allowsthe user additional control to maneuver the particular device.

[0010] The plurality of magnetic inserts can be arranged in a periodicrelationship across the surface of the shoe member. Preferably, themagnetic inserts are positioned on the lowermost surface of the shoemember. Specifically, in an embodiment having magnetic insertspositioned in the sole of the shoe member, the inserts can be arrangedto provide the maximum level of attraction. In addition, the number ofmagnetic inserts can be varied accordingly to accommodate the weight ofthe particular user. For example, the number of magnetic inserts can beincreased to provide a greater level of traction for an individual userhaving a larger weight. Conversely, the number of magnetic inserts canbe decreased to lower the level of traction for an user having a lowerweight.

[0011] The magnetic traction device can be utilized in various types ofwater sporting activities. In one embodiment of the present invention,the magnetic traction device can be can be utilized to provide a meansfor coupling the user to the surface of a wakeboard that is pulledbehind a power boat. Similarly, the magnetic traction device can beincorporated into kite surfboards and wind surfboards to provide analternate means of coupling the user to the water sporting device and toprovide a heightened level of traction while performing such activity.The magnetic traction device can be adapted to accommodate thedimensions of the particular board design and allow the user to freelymaneuver about the surface of the board without inhibiting movement in aspecific direction.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the traction padcan include a metal insert encased within the traction pad by rubber orfoam material to provide a means of magnetic attraction between thetraction pad and the magnetic inserts located in the shoe member. Forinstance, a metal insert in the form of a sheet can be embedded in orattached to the surface of a surfboard to provide a magneticallyattractable surface to attract the magnets inserted within the sole ofthe shoe member. An alternative to metal sheets can include metalfragments positioned periodically on the surface of the board or encasedwithin the traction pad by rubber or foam material. The metal fragmentscan distribute the level of attraction evenly across the surface of theboard. Distributing the fragments across the board also contributes tothe users ability to easily detach the shoe member from the surface ofthe board.

[0013] A protective layer of material, such as rubber or foam, canencase the metal material attached to the surface of the board toprovide additional protection to the user. Additionally, a protectivelayer enhances the user's ability to easily break away from the boardsurface.

[0014] The components of the present invention can be composed of anysuitable combination of material, such as rubber, foam, plastic, wood,fabric, ferrous metals and magnetic materials. For example, the sole ofthe shoe member can be composed of rubber having magnetic inserts, whilethe surfboard traction pad can be composed of a metal sheet encased inrubber or foam. The components of the present invention are not limitedto a particular material and can include combinations of materials thatfurther provide enhancement of the user's flexibility of movement andcoupling force while performing water sporting activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] There are presently shown in the drawings embodiments which arepresently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention isnot limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0016]FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe member of a magnetic tractiondevice;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a front view of a first surface of a traction pad of amagnetic traction device;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a front view of an opposite surface of a traction pad ofa magnetic traction device; and

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shoe member detachably couple toa traction pad of a magnetic traction device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention relates to a magnetic traction device 10.More particularly, the present invention relates to a magnetic tractiondevice 10 providing increased traction and maneuvering ability duringthe operation of water sports equipment, such as surfboards, wakeboards,and the like. Additionally, the invention provides convenience andflexibility through the use of a magnetic traction device 10 that allowsan individual user to easily disengage from an article of water sportsequipment while maintaining elevated levels of traction. The inventionfurther provides increased support and security to an individual userwhile utilizing the magnetic traction device 10 during actual engagementin water sports activities. Although the illustrations provided herewithdepict the present invention in specific embodiments, it is understoodthat the illustrations are intended to be for illustrative purposesonly. Accordingly, it is understood that the invention can exist inseveral embodiments.

[0021] FIGS. 1-4, taken together illustrate a magnetic traction device10 configured in accordance with the invention arrangements. A magnetictraction device 10 which has been configured in accordance with theinventive arrangements can include at least one shoe member 12 having asole 14, the sole 14 having a first surface 16 and an opposite surface18. The invention can include a plurality of magnets positioned on atleast one surface of the shoe member 20. Additionally, the invention caninclude a board member 22 having a traction pad 24, wherein the shoemember 12 is detachably coupled to the traction pad 24 to provide ameans to maneuver the board member 22.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the shoe member 12 can include aplurality of magnetic inserts 20 positioned in the sole 14 of the shoemember 12. The sole 14 of the shoe member 12 can include a first surface16 and an opposite surface 18. The sole 14 of the shoe member 12 alsocan include a textured material 32 to provide added friction andincreased traction. The shoe member 12 can be composed of water proofrubber or foam. Additionally, the shoe member 12 can include a supportmechanism. The support mechanism can be in the form of a strap or othersuitable fastening apparatus. In one embodiment of the invention, theshoe member 12 can include three looped straps 34. As shown in FIG. 1,two straps 34 can be affixed to secure the instep of the user's foot,while the other strap is secured across the user's ankle area to providefurther support. The straps 34 can include looped straps 34, which canbe easily strapped and unstrapped during the performance of a watersports activity by utilizing velcro. The use of straps 34 on the shoemember 12 during water sports activities, such has surfing, allow theuser to be secured to the shoe member 12 and provides support while theuser navigates the direction of the water sports equipment. Other typesof support mechanisms having buttons and zippers can also beincorporated, as the design is not limited to straps 34.

[0023] The magnetic inserts 20 can be affixed to the shoe member 12, asdepicted in FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, themagnetic inserts 20 are positioned periodically on the sole 14 of theshoe member 12. The magnetic inserts 20 can be adapted to at least oneof the first surface 16 and the opposite surface 18 of the sole 14 toprovide additional traction. The plurality of magnetic inserts 20 caninclude various types of magnetic materials, such as rare earth magneticmaterials. The magnets also can be encased. The magnets can be formed invarying shapes depending on the particular design. A preferred shape caninclude a circular design. The plurality of magnets can be received byopen spaces in the sole 14 of the shoe member 12. For instance, circularmagnets can be received by circular indentations formed in the sole 14of the particular shoe member 12. The open spaces can be formed duringthe manufacturing process to ensure that the magnetic inserts 20 areproperly lodged in the sole 14 of the shoe member 12. The magneticinserts 20 can also be detachably coupled to the sole 14 of the shoemember 12. Accordingly, an embodiment having detachably coupled magneticinserts 20 allows the user to adjusted the number of magnetic inserts 20accordingly to suit the corresponding weight of the user. An increase inthe number of magnetic inserts 20 can result in an increase in magnetismand the overall traction. A decrease in the number of magnets can resultin a decrease in magnetism and a decrease in traction. For example, auser having a larger weight can increase the number of magnetic inserts20 to provide greater traction, and a user having a lighter weight candecrease the number of magnetic inserts 20 to decrease the traction. Thedetachable magnetic inserts 20 also allow the user to adjust the numberof magnetic inserts 20 depending on conditions, such as weatherconditions and the like, in which the water sports equipment will beutilized.

[0024] The board member 22 of the magnetic traction device 10, as shownin FIG. 4, can include a traction pad 24. In the particular embodiment,the board member 22 is utilized for surfing. The traction pad 24provides an area that can be directly engaged to the shoe member 12 toprovide increased traction. The traction pad 24 can include a firstsurface 26 and an opposite surface 28. A protective layer 36 can beaffixed to at least one of the first surface 26 and the opposite surface28 of the traction pad 24, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Also, an adhesivelayer 38 can be affixed to at least one of the first surface 26 and theopposite surface 28 of the traction pad 24, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Ina preferred embodiment, the protective layer 36 is located on a surfaceof the board member 22 in a position directly in contact with the shoemember 12. The protective layer 36 can also comprise a textured material40 to further increase the traction. The textured material 40 caninclude foam, rubber, or any other suitable material. The texturedmaterial 40 can provide cushioning and prevent injury in the event anindividual user contacts the outer surface of the board during usage ina harmful manner, such as during an accident.

[0025] The traction pad 24 can include at least one metal insert 42. Themetal insert 42 can be embedded in the traction pad 24. The metal insert42 can comprise a ferrous metal material. The metal insert can be in theform of a metal sheet or metal fragment. For example, in one embodiment,a metal sheet can be used to form the traction pad 24 having aprotective layer 36 on the first surface 26 and an adhesive layer 38 onthe opposite surface 28. Alternatively, the traction pad 24 can includea plurality of metal inserts dispersed throughout the surface of thetraction pad 24, instead of a larger sized metal sheet. The use of metalinserts 42 within the traction pad 24 provides a magneticallyattractable surface that can be attracted to the magnetic inserts 20located in the shoe member 12. The magnetized surface allows the shoemember 12 to be firmly secured to the traction pad 24 during usage byincreasing the level of traction. The magnetic attractability of thetraction pad 24 can be altered by providing an additional coating ofmaterial to buffer the attractability of the metal. For example, theprotective layer 36 can be composed of a rubber or foam material toprovide such a buffer. Also, the metal inserts can be comprised of athin metal sheet or small metal fragments dispersed across the tractionpad 24 to decrease the field of magnetization created by the metalinserts.

[0026] The magnetic traction device 10 can be utilized to increasetraction while performing a number of water sporting activities.Preferably, the magnetic traction device 10 is utilized for surfing. Themagnetic traction device 10 allows the user to magnetically enhance thefriction force between the shoe member 12 and the surface of the boardmember 22. The magnetic traction device 10 also provides the user with acoupling force to the board member 22. The increase in frictional forceprovides the user, such as a surfer, with greater traction and handlingability. The surfer is also provided with the flexibility of uninhibitedmovement about the surface of the board instead of being isolated to aspecified area. Further, the surfer can freely engage and disengage fromthe surface of the board member 22 without extending considerableamounts of force. The shoe member 12 allows a surfer to easily breakwayfrom the traction pad 24 of the board member 22 by applying a forceextending outward in a direction perpendicular to the surface of theboard. For example, a surfer can easily disengage from the board member22 while surfing by simply prying his foot sideways and upward from theboard member 22. Providing the surfer with the ability to easilybreakaway from the board member 22 is an improvement over conventionaldevices utilizing straps to secure the user to the actual surfboard,which can be dangerous in large waves, as well as other situations.

[0027] The magnetic traction device 10 also can be utilized in otherwater sports activities, such as wakeboarding, to provide a means forcoupling the user to the surface of a wakeboard. Similarly, the magnetictraction device 10 can be incorporated into use for kiteboards andwind-surfboards to provide a means of coupling the user to the watersporting device and increase the level of traction while performing suchactivity. The magnetic traction device 10 can be adapted to accommodatethe dimensions of the particular board design and allow the user tofreely maneuver about the surface of the board without inhibitingmovement in a specific direction.

[0028] The components of the magnetic traction device 10 can be composedof any suitable material providing a means of increasing traction whileperforming the corresponding water sports activity, and is not limitedto any particular material. Suitable materials can include rubber, foam,plastic, wood, fabric, ferrous metals and magnetic materials. Forinstance, the shoe member 12 may be composed of soles 14 made fromrubber and include velcro straps, while the board member 22 is composedof plastic and metal material.

[0029] It will of course be understood that the invention is not limitedto the specific details described herein, which are given by way ofexample only, and that various modifications and alterations arepossible within the scope of the invention as defined therein. Thoseskilled in the art may make modifications that include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, withoutdeparting from the principles and concepts set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic traction device, comprising: at leastone shoe member having a sole, said sole having a first surface and anopposite surface; a plurality of magnetic inserts positioned on at leastone of said first surface and said opposite surface of said sole; aboard member having a traction pad, wherein said shoe member isdetachably coupled to said traction pad to provide a means to maneuversaid board member.
 2. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, whereinsaid shoe member includes a support mechanism affixed to a surface ofsaid shoe member to secure a user to said shoe member.
 3. The magnetictraction device of claim 2, wherein said support mechanism consists of astrap.
 4. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said shoemember is composed of a water-proof rubber material.
 5. The magnetictraction device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of magnetic insertsare composed of a magnetic material.
 6. The magnetic traction device ofclaim 1, wherein said plurality of magnetic inserts are detachablycoupled to said sole of said shoe member.
 7. The magnetic tractiondevice of claim 1, wherein said board member is composed of a materialselected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, rubber, fabric andmetal.
 8. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said tractionpad includes a first surface and an opposite surface.
 9. The magnetictraction device of claim 8, wherein a protective coating is affixed toat least one of the first surface and said opposite surface of saidtraction pad.
 10. The magnetic traction device of claim 9, wherein saidprotective coating comprises a textured material to provide an increasein traction on said board member.
 11. The magnetic traction device ofclaim 10, wherein said textured material is selected from the groupconsisting of foam and rubber.
 12. The magnetic traction device of claim1, wherein an adhesive coating is affixed to at least one of the firstsurface and said opposite surface of said traction pad.
 13. The magnetictraction device of claim 1, wherein said traction pad includes a metalinsert.
 14. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said metalinsert comprises a ferrous metal material.
 15. The magnetic tractiondevice of claim 11, wherein said metal insert is shaped in the form of ametal sheet.
 16. The magnetic traction device of claim 11, wherein saidmetal insert is shaped in the form of a metal fragment.
 17. The magnetictraction device of claim 1, wherein said metal insert is embedded in asurface of said board member.
 18. The magnetic traction device of claim1, wherein the sole of the shoe member includes a textured material.